Oh PLEASE help me. I have no idea what I should wear to this thing...

[MrsWinnibago]

I can't say exactly what the thing is as it might out me. It's an informal meeting at a very famous centre of arts. It's to discuss a project I've put forward for a certain award.

I am 41, size 12 to 14....bobbed dark hair and pale skin...I have not much bust and am a bit pear shaped. I need casual, smartish but not business-like. I need something that looks effortless but so that they won't think I'm trying to look efortless.

I don't like my upper chest area as it's got a scar and I look best in little mandarin collars or high round necks...I've got narrow shoulders. Oh and I'm 5.6 and have a tiny budget. Can't spend above 70 pounds. :(

I think COS would be a good starting point for you. What about an outfit like this?

If you already have black trousers you would just need the shirt and match with some black brogues/pumps and perhaps a black satchel bag?

That's a very cool shop...thanks Spider I don't think I could pull that colour off though...I like the neckline on this but again I'm not great with colour...lots of them seem to wash me out. I wear an awful lot of grey, black, red, navy and white.

Boring. :(

That dress is lovely, I'm really into cobalt blue at the moment. Would you perhaps consider grey or navy with some mustard/ochre accessories?

What colour eyes have you? Perhaps you could try to bring them out with the colour you wear? Also, the model has dark bobbed hair and is pale......

Was going to say cos too. How about this from zara?

The tea dresses in peacocks are gorgeous and no way would anyone guess how cheap they are if you choose the right one. Something like this www.peacocks.co.uk/lds-dress-tie-back-tea-print-teal.html

I like that MrsLettuce but it's maybe not going to look good on me because of my hips?

Foxy thanks! Just scooting round Peacocks now!

This shirt may be of more interest to you. It has an interesting detail at collar and you would perhaps wear some brighter blue trousers like these

Oooh that's lovely Spider I really like that a lot! Do you think I could wear it with jeans? Or not? {clueless}

I love that shirt too- it's understated but really original. I think indigo/dark, slim fit jeans would work really well.

this is lovely.

How about this? www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Tops-T-shirts/Long-Sleeved-Tops/WA529/Womens-Paris-Blouse.html?NavGroupID=18

Again, would work with dark, slim fit jeans.

Spidergirls cos shirt is a winner. Def couldwear with smart dark jeans, would look great with white jeans too.

Or white linen cut offs, if weather bit hot.